NIAGARA, ON – June 5, 2025 — When Brenda McKenzie walked into Hospice Niagara to collect her $10,000 in prize winnings, she smiled through tears. Her late husband, Mike, would have been the first to cheer her on with an enthusiastic, “’Attagirl!”
Brenda, a St. Catharines resident, is the very first winner of the new Niagara Mega 50/50, and her story is especially meaningful — she’s also part of Hospice Niagara’s grief support program.
For Brenda, winning is not just about the cash prize but also about celebrating an organization that has helped her find herself again in the midst of grief.
Her sister, Debbie Siegmund, joined Brenda at Hospice Niagara to pick up her prize. “Brenda suffered such a great loss because they were such a great couple,” says Debbie, giving her sister a hug. “They did everything together. And then, you just lose half of your life. After he passed, she was lost.”
The difference grief support has made in her sister’s life is unmistakable. “We’ve got our Brenda back. She’s out there, she’s making friends, she’s living life,” says Debbie.
Brenda participates in several grief programs and has found a supportive community of others who are also navigating loss. “It’s not what our plan was, but I’m learning to move forward each day on my own,” says Brenda.
The Niagara Mega 50/50 is a new fundraiser supporting hospice palliative care across the region. It replaces the long-running 5 Car Draw with a fresh format offering more prizes, more often, and vital funding for services like in-home care, end-of-life support, and grief programs for people of all ages.
“We couldn’t have asked for a more meaningful way to start our new lottery,” says Alicia Merry, Director, Marketing, Communications and Fund Development. “It’s a reminder that behind every ticket is a story — and a real person who’s part of our community.”
There are still many more chances to win. Three more cash draws for $10,000 each happen on June 24, July 22, and August 19. And there’s a draw on Sept. 9 for a brand-new 2025 Silverado 1500 Crew Custom 4WD.
The final jackpot draw takes place on Friday, September 12 at noon.
Ticket Pricing:
- 1 for $20
- 20 for $40
- 100 for $50
- 250 for $100
- 500 for $175 (inspired by the retired 5 Car Draw)
Tickets are available at www.mega5050.ca. Buy once, and you’re in for every remaining draw.